• All pharmacies will remain open

• Lifesaving drugs to be available

Bhubaneswar: To ensure that the public receives an uninterrupted supply of medicines during any emergency, the State Drugs Controller has issued a comprehensive seven-point directive. Assistant Drug Controllers across the state have been instructed to maintain strict vigil on the availability and supply of essential and lifesaving drugs in their respective jurisdictions. The directive emphasizes the need for proactive administrative measures to ensure patients, particularly in remote areas, do not face any difficulties.Pharmacies attached to hospitals and clinical establishments, including those operating 24×7, have been mandated to remain functional with adequate additional staff to meet public demand. Officials have been advised to coordinate with district administrations and local police to facilitate the smooth operation of medicine stores. The department has further stressed the importance of establishing seamless coordination between wholesalers and retailers to ensure adequate advance stock availability.Local chemist associations are to be engaged to ensure a steady supply chain, especially for patients suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, epilepsy, and cancer. Furthermore, officials have been directed to submit real-time reports to higher authorities regarding any disruptions in the supply chain. This directive prioritizes public health safety and mandates immediate action to ensure the constant availability of medication.